The Sardinia Boat Show arrives in Olbia
Originating from the Porto Rotondo Boat Show, the event – now expanded – is the result of a project by Cipnes Gallura, supported by the Port Authority
The Sardinia Boat Show is moving from Porto Rotondo to Olbia, and is also changing its name to the Sardinia Boat Show. The next edition will take place from 29 May to 6 June 2027 in the centre of the city, at the Olbia waterfront – Porto Vecchio. The new project was presented at the Genoa Boat Show by Cipnes Gallura, together with the Region of Sardinia, the Municipality of Olbia, the Sardinian Sea Port System Authority and representatives of the industrial consortia of Sassari and Ogliastra.
The Sardinia Boat Show, the organisers said, “will continue to be the trade fair for the Sardinian nautical industry, with a particular focus on the two core segments of the sector: boat manufacturing and construction, and refit, repair and maintenance activities, together with all industrial activities and services related to the nautical sector. The aim is to represent and promote the entire regional production system on international markets, connecting Sardinian businesses with institutions, commercial partners and foreign investors’.
The festival forms part of the Sardegna System
In short, the new trade fair aims to consolidate its regional presence and will be structured around the concept of the ‘Sardinia System’. Alongside businesses, industrial consortia and the Sardinian Maritime Port Authority (Adsp del Mare di Sardegna) will be present, with dedicated areas showcasing production zones, port infrastructure and opportunities for industrial development. Gallura, Cagliari, Ogliastra and the Sassari area represent the main regional hubs of Sardinia’s nautical industry.
Livio Fideli, president of Cipnes Gallura, explained that the boat show will have ample space both on land and at sea, will be able to accommodate vessels of various sizes – including superyachts – and will take place in the heart of the city, in close proximity to the town centre and the new waterfront. In addition to these factors, ‘there is Olbia’s excellent international connectivity, with direct links to numerous overseas markets and, in particular, to France and the United States – markets of great importance both for exports from the marine industry and for foreign investment in Sardinia’.
Direct flights from the US
In this context, the direct flight to New York has taken on particular significance: the route, which was launched in 2026, will be joined by a second direct flight in 2027, and both routes will be operational from the end of May, according to CIPNES, ahead of the opening of the Sardinia Boat Show. The fair will therefore be able to take place whilst the transatlantic air routes are fully operational.
